Celebrity Life Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. Timothée Chalamet has blown TV audiences away with his unexpected knowledge of American college football during a weekend appearance on ESPN. Some were curious about why Chalamet, a New York-born actor with seemingly no connection to Power 5 football, was chosen to be the guest picker on the college football program College GameDay in Atlanta ahead of the SEC (Southeastern Conference) title game. Well, the Wonka star showed he has some chops on the sports punditry circuit, the New York Post reported. And, not only that, he seemed to do plenty of research as he made his picks ahead of an important slate of conference championship games. Timothee Chalamet more than held his own on ESPN's College GameDay. Picture: College GameDay/X He particularly stood out for his picks for the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) — Jackson State — and the MAC (Mid-American Conference) — Ohio. “Jackson State, eight wins in a row, 11 all-conference players — this should be a comfortable, easy win for them,” Chalamet said with plenty of confidence, getting plenty of love with shoulder taps from College GameDay regulars Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit. Instead of picking a favourite in the MAC title game between Miami of Ohio and Ohio, Chalamet had his reasons to pick an upset. “The Red Hawks defence looks good, but I’m looking at fourth-year quarterback Parker Navarro. Sixty-five per cent completion rate. If he can get going, he’ll tilt this in favour of the Bobcat. I’m going underdog Bobcats here, underdog Bobcats.” Chalamet earned a handshake from sports analyst Pat McAfee. Picture: College GameDay/X That bold pick earned a strong handshake from McAfee, a top sports analyst. And, when it came down to it, Chalamet thought hard about his pick for the SEC championship, and when it came down to it, he went with the Texas Longhorns over the Georgia Bulldogs, much to the chagrin of the large swath University of Georgia fans in attendance. College football social media was largely impressed with the actor’s sports preparedness. “You are all fools for doubting Timothée Chalamet’s knowledge of ball. He drank the Water of Life,” wrote podcaster Ross Bolen on X. “Timothee Chalamet, I owe you an apology — I wasn’t familiar with your game,” wrote College Sports Only in reference to the widely-shared meme of Shaquille O’Neal. Viewers were impressed by the Hollywood star’s depth of football knowledge. Picture: Angela Weiss/AFP “Timothee Chalamet being a real deal college football fan, being a SMU fan, and knowing about all these teams was so crazy to me. I thought just invited cause famous, but he was a legit great guest picker on College Gameday ,” wrote the Ringer’s Chris Vernon. Fox NFL writer and NFL Network personality Peter Schrager didn’t mince words. “Timothee Chalamet came prepared, researched, and referenced the Pony Express. Maybe the best College Gameday guest picker yet. NYC guy. Respect,” he wrote. In a season that’s included plenty of famous folks like actor Keegan-Michael Key, Pirates star Paul Skenes, gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and swimmer Michael Phelps, Chalamet might have stood out as the best and most prepared. This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission More Coverage ‘It was rape’: Daughter’s awful revelation Nina Funnell ‘Blacked out’: Evidence we can’t show you Heath Parkes-Hupton and Dan Box Originally published as Timothee Chalamet unleashes secret talent in unexpected TV moment More related stories Entertainment Katie Holmes hits back at ‘trust fund’ claims The actor made a rare comment about her ex-husband Tom Cruise, rubbishing claims a trust fund for their daughter had “kicked in”. Read more Celebrity Life Jay-Z accused of raping 13yo girl Jay-Z has been accused of raping a teenage girl with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in a civil lawsuit that came to light over the weekend. Read moreNacogdoches’ boys basketball team was going back and forth at home against Hudson on Friday night but in the end, the Hornets came away with the 42-37 win over the Dragons. Dragons head coach Christopher Rainey chalked the loss up to poor execution. “Offensively, we turned the ball over too many times for our liking,” Rainey said. “I don’t think we played at a pace that we like or that we practice for and give credit to Hudson. They’re well coached. We just have to be able to learn from this and that’s what I’ve told them. We’ve got to overcome adversity. It was just little miscues on our behalf that we have to clean up.” Cooper Weeks went 1-for-2 from the line to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead. Jonas Hollins put the Dragons on the scoreboard when he came away with a steal and took it back for a layup. Hudson regained the lead when Jackson May came away with an old-fashioned three-point play. Cameron Brady recorded a three-point play of his own with a shot from beyond the arc to give the Dragons a 5-4 lead. Landon Greer’s steal was followed by a layup before Christopher Gardner’s bucket gave the lead back to Nacogdoches. A technical foul against Nacogdoches after a player whose name wasn’t in the official scorebook, subbed into the game. That led to a pair of free throws and a three to give the Hornets a six-point lead. The Dragons fired a shot at the buzzer but it was no good, leaving the score 13-7 in favor of the Hornets after one complete quarter. Weeks scored the first points of the second quarter to spread his team’s lead to eight. Nac trailed 17-8 before Brady drained his second three of the night. That made the score 17-11. Hudson called a timeout with 4:34 left in the first half. Hudson’s Ceylan Williams knocked down a three from the top of the key. That gave the Hornets a 20-11 lead. Hollins dished off a pass to Brady for the assist before tossing in two more points on the next possession. That put Nac within five points. KJ Ferrell put his team three points closer with a shot from beyond the arc. Dernell Pleasant scored back-to-back layups for the final four points of the first half, making the halftime score 23-19. Benjamin Cox tipped in a missed shot for the first two points of the second half to put the Dragons within two points. Micah Lockett dropped it in from under the basket to tie the game up at 23 apiece. Hudson went 1-for-2 from the line. Nac’s Joshua Morones tossed in a two before Williams drained a three to give the Hornets a two-point lead. Morones found his way to the basket again to tie the game. The Dragons’ full-court press forced Hudson to call a timeout with 3:31 left in the third quarter. Greer broke the tie with a two before Morones tied it back up again on the other end. Hollins threw up a shot to give the Dragons a 31-29 lead with about two minutes to play in the third. Williams drained his fourth three of the night to put the Hornets back on top, 32-31. Ferrell scored the last bucket of the quarter to make the score 34-31 in favor of Hudson, heading into the final quarter. Hollins launched a shot from beyond the arc to start the fourth quarter, tying the game at 34-34. Greer tipped in a missed shot to give the lead back to Hudson but just seconds later, Brady drained a three to give the lead back to the Dragons. An and-one from Greer made the score 39-37 in favor of Hudson. With just under 30 seconds to play, Nac threw up a layup that bounced around the rim and was rebounded by Hudson. A pair of trips to the free-throw line helped the Hornets seal up the 42-37 win. Brady led the Dragons in scoring with 14 points. Hollins was next in line with nine. Morones scored six points. Pleasant came away with four while Cox and Lockett each had two points. Greer and Williams each scored a team high 12 points to lead Hudson. Ferrell came away with eight points and May scored six. Rainey said he’s hopeful the experience of playing teams like Hudson will prepare Nacogdoches for district play. “I think that’s going to prepare us for a very strong district,” he said. “I think every team has a winning record. We’re anticipating a strong district. These are the games that we need.” The Dragons will be home Monday against Center. Action is slated to begin with the freshmen at 5 p.m., followed by JV at 6:15 p.m. and the varsity at 7:30 p.m.
Kelly: Why has the Dolphins run game clammed up lately? | OpinionJERUSALEM — The began early Wednesday as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. The ceasefire does not address the devastating , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and on two occasions earlier this year. In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Mum-of-22 Sue Radford reveals festive trick for when kids are poorly – as bug sweeps through their 10-bedroom mansion
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Two people were rescued when a California pier under construction partially collapsed and fell into the ocean Monday as the state's central coast was pounded by heavy surf from a major storm expected to bring hurricane-force winds to the seas off the Pacific Northwest, authorities said. Residents were warned to stay away from low-lying areas near the beaches around the Santa Cruz Wharf, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco, as the storm rapidly gained strength. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service's Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Lifeguards rescued two people from the water and a third person was able to swim to safety, officials with Santa Cruz Fire Department said. No one had serious injuries, Mayor Fred Keeley said. The mayor said the section of the wharf that collapsed had been damaged over time. The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water around 12:45 p.m. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards,” the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. Gov. Gavin Newsom's has been briefed and the state's Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials, his office said. Ocean swells along California's central coast could reach 26 feet (8 meters) as the Pacific storm gains strength through Monday, the weather service said. “A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane force winds to the areas well offshore of the Pacific Northwest tonight,” the weather service's Ocean Prediction Center said on X. Winds off Oregon and Washington could peak near 80 mph (130 kph) and seas will build over 30 feet (9.1 meters), forecasters said. The end of the pier that broke off had been shut down during renovations. The portion, which included the closed Dolphin Restaurant, floated about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) down the coast and wedged itself at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River. Those who fell into the water were two engineers and a project manager who were inspecting the end of the wharf, officials said. No members of the public were in the area. Building inspectors were now looking at the rest of the Santa Cruz Wharf’s structural integrity. Monday's collapse came about a year after the Seacliff State Beach pier just down the coast was battered beyond repair by a heavy winter storm. ___ Dazio reported from Los Angeles.
The Guisborough Army Cadets launched a GoFundMe page after their facility was left in disarray - and it has raised four times its initial target. The break-in, which occurred between the evening of Tuesday, December 2 and the late afternoon of Friday, December 6, has devastated the detachment, a vital hub for local cadets. Thieves made off with essential IT and electrical equipment, including a laptop, hard drive, an office TV, along with the Naafi stock and various kitchen goods. The most upsetting part for the community was the theft of food donations collected for veterans, a community effort that the cadets had initiated. The organisation has now created a GoFundMe page set up for the Guisborough Town Army Cadets to help recuperate the costs and items that were stolen. Lesley Hakin, who set up the GoFundMe page, said: "The detachment has been left in a really bad state. "The Army Cadets is a great organisation and our children benefit from the skills and opportunities they learn from the volunteers and instructors. "Let's turn this bad situation into something good." The Army Cadets program provides invaluable life skills and opportunities for young people through the dedication of volunteers and instructors. Now, with vital resources gone, the community is rallying to restore what has been lost. The GoFundMe page has now raised over four times its initial target of £500 with the value now sitting at £2,500. Cleveland Police have launched an investigation into the burglary, appealing for any information that might help identify the perpetrators. Officers are reviewing evidence and seeking doorbell, dashcam, or private CCTV footage from the Park Lane area in Guisborough. Scene of Crime Officers have visited the facility, and detectives are following up on leads. Police urge anyone with information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 230588. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or through their website, www.crimestoppers-uk.org. For more updates or to contribute to the campaign, visit the official GoFundMe page .Oklahoma State's 3-point accuracy sends Miami to defeat
If we knew then what we’re learning now about its dangers to health, perhaps the 24 states which have legalized recreational marijuana would not have rushed to do so. What was historically sold to users as harmless and even healthful turns out to be associated with conditions such as Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (uncontrollable vomiting), marijuana use disorder (aka addiction leading to “ negative impact on life and health” ); and even the onset of schizophrenia , especially among young men. Thomas McLellan, deputy “drug czar” in the Obama Administration, notes that “the great majority of the cannabis related problems affect those 12-25, which means the problems will have longer duration.” But here we are. Even as some states (including Florida, North and South Dakota, in the November election) have resisted legalization, there’s no going back. Even as cannabis remains unlawful under federal law, it has become the basis of a $43 billion industry (with sales of legal weed expected to hit $700 million this year in New York State alone ). Yet in contrast to alcohol — to which pot advocates often compare it — or to tobacco, cannabis products do not carry standardized health warnings or easily-understood potency measures. Because the federal government — which still legally considers cannabis a dangerous “controlled substance” — plays no role in its regulation, pot and related “edibles” are regulated by a patchwork of state rules. The time has come to bring order to this chaos, as we have with post-Prohibition alcohol and tobacco: strong standardized health warning labels, easily-understood and standardized potency measures, and taxation not to increase state or federal revenues but to discourage the use of pot altogether. Every package of cigarettes sold in America carries strong and standardized health warnings , including “smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema.” Alcoholic beverage containers are all labeled for risks to pregnancy. In contrast, state health warnings for cannabis range wildly. In California, a label must state “ this product can expose you to marijuana smoke, which is known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm.” Yet in neighboring Oregon, all that’s required is a label warning that pot is “For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.” New York State’s Cannabis Control Board ’s warnings are much less specific—“smoking or vaping is hazardous to health”; “and is as concerned about dogs and cats as kids, warning: “Keep out of reach of children and pets.” The same regulatory crazy-quilt applies to the potency of the drug — the extent to which a legal product contains THC, marijuana’s intoxicating chemical. Most states require a label to show how many milligrams of the chemical per ounce a “flower” product contains. But states vary as to how high a percentage they accept. In Massachusetts, that standard is just 5 mg. But 13 states, including California, set that standard at 10mg of THC. More concentrated but still legal products can contain far higher THC percentages. “Blue Cookies” sold at an Upper East Side retailer are labeled at 20.9%. What’s more, one wonders whether the typical consumer knows how to interpret such a figure—in the same way we understand that a beer with 8% alcohol is stronger than Bud Lite (4.2%). One would have to check the Colorado Cannabis website to learn that “a single 10 mg serving of THC will likely affect your ability to drive, bike or do other activities, especially for occasional consumers .” In Oregon, cannabis edibles may contain up 50 mg of THC . As with tobacco, the federal Food and Drug Administration should be setting product standards and the Surgeon General should issue a standard health warning — across the country. Anything else favors the growth of “big Pot,” à la Big Tobacco. This flies in the face of the romantic idea that small growers will revitalize Upstate New York, for instance — an artifact of the fact that cannabis laws currently prohibit interstate shipment and pot sold legally should be grown in that state. The Trump Administration will face a decision should it want to take steps to discourage cannabis use: it would first have to drop the drug’s being included among the official schedule of harder drugs. Democrats have pushed such a proposal through their Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act. The upside of such a strategy: the chance for more extensive study and standardized national health warnings. The alternative: taking steps to limit the existing state markets —which is hard to imagine in the face of explosive pot consumption in states where it is already legal. Just among seniors, for instance, pot use has surged from 11% in 2009 to 32% in 2019, according to a federal survey. But the adoption of some federal standards would still mean that cannabis regulation — and how it is best enforced — would remain under the discretion of state and local authorities, closest to their communities. This is as it is with alcohol; as per the National Alcohol Control Commission, “Across the United States, there are hundreds of localities where the purchase of alcohol is completely or partially prohibited.” Indeed, in states, including New York and California, where cannabis is legal, localities may choose to “opt out” of permitting its sale. Close to half of New York’s 1,520 municipalities have done so. For those jurisdictions where the sale of cannabis products is permitted, there will remain key approaches to limiting its sales to adults, avoiding concentrations of outlets in any one neighborhood, and, indeed, to diminishing its overall consumption. Paul Samuels , a member of the expert advisory panel for the Center for Substance Abuse and Treatment, pushes for “special emphasis on taking steps to discourage underage use, which is of course the most dangerous from a health perspective.” He emphasizes education for young people and enforcement by sellers at the point of sale — and suspending or revoking the licenses of retailers who fail to comply, as is the case with liquor stores. That means sending in undercover law enforcement agents — and increasing their number. It also means cracking down on unlicensed, black market cannabis sales — even if that means a criminal record for those involved in such sales — as had been the case before legalization. The black market is clearly extensive; to date, New York state has padlocked 415 illegal smoke shops and confiscated 27,000 pounds of illegal pot. Squeezing the black market also means rolling back ill-advised laws, such as New York’s, permitting up to six home cannabis plants per adult. Although the law prohibits selling home-grown weed, it’s hard to enforce. It should no more be encouraged than countenancing Appalachian moonshine is. What’s more, assuming authorities can get the black market under control — no easy task — it will then be time to sharply increase taxes on cannabis products — not to raise state revenues but to discourage use. Tobacco taxes provide a model. According to the American Lung Association, every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes reduces consumption by about 4% among adults and about 7% among youth. Thanks to the nationwide “tobacco settlement” that provides funds to state governments from tobacco firms for their role in driving health care costs, our airwaves are suffused with images of dying lung cancer patients gasping for breath and expressing regret for their choice. The same could be done for cannabis, starting with parents who have lost children to drug use that started with pot. Monies from the national opioid settlement, which pharmaceutical and distribution firms have been forced to pay to state and local governments, can provide the funding. Finally but crucially, there remains no accepted standard for “driving while impaired” — as with alcohol-related driving under the influence. Legalization has outpaced technology here. As per the National Council of State Legislatures, “ Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) appears to be a growing factor in impaired-driving crashes. ” Yet, notes the group there is a “lack of an agreed-upon limit to determine impairment.” For his part, Donald Trump has signaled that significant change may come from Washington. He has used his Truth Social platform to back Florida’s failed ballot pot legalization question. But, he added, when voters back legalization, “it should be done correctly” — including ensuring that we do not smell marijuana everywhere we go, like we do in many of the Democrat run Cities.” Crucially, he has signaled an openness to “rescheduling” pot to a less dangerous federal designation—to open the door to further research on its effects, specifically to “focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug.” A question he and the nation will face: if those effects turn out to be worse than anticipated, what will we do? It was Bill Clinton who said, of abortion, that our goal should be for it to be “safe, legal and rare.” We’ve made recreational cannabis widely legal — but it’s not at all clear that it’s safe and we’ve taken steps to make it less rare. These are mistakes that post-legalization regulation must correct. Howard Husock is a senior fellow in domestic policy at the American Enterprise Institute.Black Friday is just days away. But if you can't wait until sales officially kick off to upgrade or replace your TV , you can find some incredible early holiday deals at Amazon , Best Buy , and Walmart . You'll find great discounts from brands like Sony , LG , TCL , and Hisense on everything from high-end OLED models to entry-level smart TVs for college dorms and first apartments. Also: The best Black Friday deals live now I've spent years testing TVs at ZDNET , and am constantly looking out for the best deals and discounts from top brands, particularly around the holidays. To help you find the very best Black Friday TV deals, I put together a list of discounts and markdowns I've found at trusted retailers and directly from the brands themselves. Keep reading below to find out just how much you can save on a new TV, plus a few extras to round out your home theater. Our favorite TV deals for Black Friday 2024 LG C4 OLED 65-inch : $1,500 (save $1,200 at Amazon): LG's flagship OLED TV has a 144Hz native refresh rate, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and VRR support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. It's also our pick for the best OLED TV you can buy. TCL QM85 98-inch : $4,000 (save $2,000 at Amazon): TCL's flagship QLED TV offers Dolby Vision IQ HDR, Dolby Atmos, up to a 240Hz refresh rate for console gaming, and built-in voice controls. I tested this TV , and found it offers excellent picture quality, great sound, and a dedicated picture mode at an affordable price. Samsung QN85D 85-inch : $1,800 (save $1,400 at Amazon): This big-screen TV has object-tracking sound as well as Dolby Atmos support for a more immersive experience while streaming movies, music, and TV shows. Samsung DU7200 85-inch : $900 (save $200 at Best Buy): A budget-friendly big-screen TV with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and object tracking sound. You'll also get a free 40-inch Samsung TV with purchase. LG Class 89 98-inch : $4,000 (save $2,000 at Best Buy): A cinema-sized screen with 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync VRR, and Dolby Vision HDR. LG C4 65-inch Current price: $1,500 Original price: $2,700 LG's flagship OLED TV features VRR support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium to prevent screen tearing and stuttering while console gaming. You'll also get a 144Hz native refresh rate for smoother motion during sports broadcasts and fast-paced movie and TV show scenes. TCL QM85 98-inch Current price: $4,000 Original price: $6,000 Grab this truly cinema-sized TV at Amazon for an impressive $2,000 off ahead of the Holiday shopping season. With Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Vision support, you'll get clean, crisp audio and more accurate colors and contrast for a more immersive viewing experience. Samsung QN85D 85-inch Current price: $1,800 Original price: $3,200 This flagship QLED TV from Samsung not only supports Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, it also uses Samsung's object tracking sound technology for a more immersive streaming experience for movies, shows, and music. Samsung DU7200 Current price: $900 Original price: $1,100 This budget-friendly big-screen TV has object tracking sound, a 60Hz refresh rate, built-in voice controls, and object tracking sound. And with your Best Buy purchase, you'll also get a free 40-inch Samsung TV (a $250 value). LG Class 89 98-inch Current price: $4,000 Original price: $6,000 A truly cinema-sized TV from LG that features 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, AMD FreeSync VRR, and cloud gaming support. Black Friday OLED TV deals 2024 Samsung S90D 65-inch for $1,400 (save $800 at Amazon): Samsung's latest iteration of their flagship OLED TV features object tracking sound, a 144Hz peak refresh rate, and a Pantone Validated screen for color accuracy. Samsung S85D 55-inch for $1,000 (save $700 at Amazon): A more affordable version of Samsung's OLED TV with object tracking sound, built-in voice controls, and Dolby Atmos support. LG B4 77-inch for $1,600 (save $200 at Amazon): A more affordable OLED from LG with a dedicated gaming dashboard, 120Hz refresh rate, and support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Samsung S95D 77-inch for $3,500 (save $900 at Amazon): Samsung's premium OLED offers object tracking sound, an expert calibrated screen for color accuracy, and a 144Hz refresh rate. Black Friday TV deals 2024: 40 - 43 inches TCL S3 40-inch for $140 (save $50 at Amazon): A budget-friendly smart TV with AirPlay support, Alexa voice controls, and 1080p resolution. Amazon Fire TV 2 Series 40-inch for $150 (save $100 at Amazon): A basic smart TV with built-in voice controls, 1080p resolution, and HDR10 support. Roku Select Series 43-inch for $200 (save $50 at Amazon): An affordable smart TV from Roku with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. Toshiba V35 43-inch for $140 (save $50 at Amazon): A budget-friendly smart TV that uses the Fire TV platform to give you access to thousands of streaming apps. LG UT70 43-inch for $230 (save $170 at Best Buy): A great entry-grade smart TV from LG with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 support. Black Friday TV deals 2024: 55 - 65 inches Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED for $420 (save $180 at Amazon): Amazon's flagship TV uses the Fire TV platform to give you access to Prime's entire library as well as to thousands of other streaming apps. Hisense S7N Canvas TV for $700 (save $300 at Amazon): A gallery-inspired TV from Hisense that turns your living room into your own personal art show when you aren't streaming. TCL QM7 for $500 (save $300 at Amazon): TCL refreshed their mid-range TV line with Dolby Vision IQ HDR, Dolby Atmos, and up to a 240Hz refresh rate. Samsung Q80D for $800 (save $400 at Amazon): A mid-range QLED with Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound, built-in voice controls, and cloud gaming support. Black Friday TV deals 2024: 65 - 75 inches Samsung Q80D for $900 (save $500 at Amazon): An excellent mid-range TV from Samsung with object tracking sound, 4K AI upscaling, and Dolby Atmos support. Samsung QN900D for $3,500 (save $1,500 at Best Buy): Samsung's latest 8K TV gives you four times the resolution as a 4K model, letting you keep your home theater on the cutting edge. TCL NXTFRAME for $800 (save $700 at Amazon): A gallery-inspired TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support and built in Alexa voice controls. Sony Bravia 7 for $1,400 (save $600 at Amazon): A mid-range mini LED TV from Sony that supports their Acoustic Multi-Audio technology for better audio/video syncing. Sony Bravia 9 for $2,700 (save $300 at Amazon): A high-end mini-LED TV from Sony with Dolby Vision HDR, VRR support for console gaming, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a studio calibrated picture. Black Friday TV deals 2024: Over 75 inches Sony X77L for $1,000 (save $500 at Amazon): An excellent mid-range big-screen TV from Sony with Bluetooth connectivity, built-in voice controls, and exclusive features for gaming with the PlayStation 5. Sony Bravia 9 for $4,000 (save $800 at Amazon): Sony's flagship mini-LED TV has an anti-glare screen coating, a studio-calibrated panel for color accuracy, and support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. LG G4 OLED 83-inch for $5,000 (save $800 at Amazon): LG's flagship, premium-grade OLED TV features adaptive brightness, Dolby Vision HDR, a dedicated filmmaker mode, and an updated, sleek design. LG Class 85 QNED 86-inch for $1,000 (save $500 at Best Buy): This mid-range big-screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and AMD FreeSync VRR for console gaming. Black Friday 2024 Samsung TV deals Samsung QNX1D 85-inch for $1,750 (save $2,250, Only available at Samsung): A refresh to Samsung's flagship QLED line with object tracking sound, adaptive audio, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR. Samsung QE1D 65-inch for $680 (save $620, Only available at Samsung): A mid-range QLED with object tracking sound and a Pantone Validated panel for lifelike colors and contrast. Samsung Crystal DU9000 98-inch for $2,500 (save $1,500): One of the most affordable cinema-class TVs on the market features a 120Hz refresh rate, object tracking sound, and built-in voice controls. Black Friday 2024 TV deals: Discounts from top retailers TCL Q68 85-inch for $1,000 (save $500): A great mid-range TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a 120Hz max refresh rate, and built-in voice controls. LG QNED85T 75-inch for $1,000 (save $250): A great mid-range LED TV from LG with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and VRR support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. Samsung The Frame 55-inch for $1,000 (save $500): A gallery-inspired TV from Samsung with dedicated art mode, anti-glare matte screen, and built-in voice controls. Sony X90L 98-inch for $5,000 (save $3,000): A cinema-sized TV with Dolby Vision HDR support, exclusive VRR features for the PS5, and 120Hz refresh rate. Hisense U6N 65-inch for $500 (save $200): This mid-range TV from Hisense supports both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, has a 60Hz refresh rate, and Bluetooth connectivity. Hisense U7 75-inch for $900 (save $500): A premium TV with Dolby Vision IQ HDR, Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, a 144Hz refresh rate, and VRR support for console gaming. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for $22 (save $28): Turn any TV into a streaming hub with this HDMI device. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for stable connectivity and thousands of streaming apps. Roku Express for $20 (save $10): A simplified streaming box with access to thousands of popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. SunBrite Veranda 3 55-inch for $2,000 (save $900): An outdoor TV rated for full shade with up to 1,000 nits of brightness, 4K resolution, and the Google TV platform. Hisense S7N 55-inch for $700 (save $300): A gallery-inspired QLED TV with a dedicated art slideshow mode, 144Hz refresh rate, and built-in 2.0.2CH surround sound. Amazon Fire TV Omni 75-inch for $700 (save $3580): Amazon's mid-range smart TV offers Dolby Vision HDR, built-in Alexa voice controls, and Dolby Digital Plus audio. Samsung Q60D 55-inch for $500 (save $300): Samsung's mid-range QLED TV offers object tracking sound, dedicated gaming hub with cloud gaming support, and a Pantone Validated screen for color accuracy. Roku Select 65-inch for $350 (save $100): Roku's mid-grade smart TV offers 4K resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and automatic brightness adjustment. Roku Ultra for $79 (save $21): A 4K streaming box that can turn any TV into a smart TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi 6 support. Samsung QN90D 65-inch for $1,500 (save $800): Samsung's flagship QLED TV offers object tracking sound, built-in voice controls, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED 65-inch for $920 (save $170): Amazon's flagship TV offers an excellent picture with Dolby Vision HDR support, a 144Hz max refresh rate, and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. Samsung Class Q80D 85-inch TV : $1,748 (save $650): The popular Q80D series Samsung smart TV features QLED technology and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung Class Q60D 65-inch TV : $698 (save $100): This QLED Samsung TV offers a vibrant image and up to 4K resolution. Samsung The Frame 65-inch TV : $1,298 (save $700): Samsung's popular The Frame QLED TV delivers beautiful 4K resolution images while doubling as a work of art when not in use. LG StanbyME Go portable TV : $799 (save $400): Yes, LG made a briefcase smart TV that you can take anywhere. At 27 inches, it's a full HD TV with WebOS and the portability to watch it in your backyard or while tailgating. Vizio 2.1 soundbar : $99 (save $30): This Vizio all-in-one soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS. Vizio Elevate SE soundbar : $399 (save $100): This Vizio 5.1.2 channel soundbar boasts Bluetooth support, Dolby Atmos, and 3D spatial audio. Hisense R6 75-inch for $498 (save $200): A budget-friendly big-screen TV with Dolby Vision and DTS Studio Sound, a dedicated gaming mode, and the Roku TV platform for streaming. Samsung QN90C 75-inch for $1,698 (save $1,601): The previous iteration of Samsung's flagship QLED TV still has a lot to offer with object tracking sound, a dedicated gaming hub, and 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung The Terrace 65-inch for $2,974 (save $2,025): This outdoor TV is rated for partial sun exposure, making it perfect for covered patios and decks. Sylvox 55-inch outdoor TV for $1,349 (save $800): A waterproof TV designed for partial sun exposure, making it perfect for covered patios and enclosed porches. Roku Pro Series 55-inch for $600 (save $300): A mid-range smart TV from Roku with access to thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Samsung QN900C 65-inch for $2,788 (save $2,211): Samsung's previous iteration of their flagship 8K TV, which gives you four times the resolution as a 4K model and 16 times that of a 1080p HD TV. Hisense U7N 100-inch for $1,798 (save $1,200): A cinema-sized smart TV with a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. Sony Bravia X93L 75-inch for $1,598 (save $900): A big-screen Mini-LED TV with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support for console gaming, Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound support, and exclusive features for gaming on the PlayStation 5. Sony Bravia A80L OLED 83-inch for $4,000 (save $800): With a 120Hz refresh rate and support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, you'll get a cinema-quality experience in the comfort of your own living room. Samsung DU6950 75-inch for $550 (save $200): A budget-friendly big-screen TV with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and built-in voice controls. LG NanoCell 75 65-inch for $480 (save $420): A great mid-range LED model from LG with 4K resolution, dynamic tone mapping, and a 60Hz refresh rate. LG Class 99 8K 75-inch for $2,300 (save $1,200): This TV gives you 8K resolution, which is four times the detailing of 4K, and 16 times that of 1080p. Hisense U7 75-inch for $900 (save $600): A great mid-range TV with the Google TV platform for access to thousands of streaming apps and a 144Hz refresh rate. Hisense QD5 65-inch for $330 (save $170): A budget-friendly QLED from Hisense with Dolby Vision HDR, an automatic low-latency mode for console gaming, and voice-enabled remote. Hisense QD6 75-inch for $450 (save $250): A budget-friendly big-screen with an updated QLED panel for better color and contrast as well as Dolby Vision HDR support. Hisense U6 75-inch for $650 (save $550): The Hisense U6 supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, AMD FreeSync VRR, Wi-Fi 6, and both Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. Roku Pro 75-inch for $1,000 (save $700): Roku's own flagship TV has a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and a QLED panel for more lifelike colors and contrast. Hisense L9H laser projector with 100-inch screen for $3,000 (save $2,500): An ultra-short throw laser projector with an included screen, Dolby Vision and Atmos support, 4K resolution, and a 3000 lumen lamp. Roku Plus 75-inch for $750 (save $150): An affordable big-screen TV that uses the Roku platform to give you access to thousands of streaming apps, integrated voice controls, and live TV. Furrion Aurora 55-inch for $1,200 (save $800): This ruggedized outdoor TV is rated for full shade, making it perfect for covered patios and enclosed porches or 3-season rooms. LG UT90 98-inch for $2,500 (save $1,500): A simplified smart TV with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and 4K resolution. Hisense A6 85-inch for $700 (save $300): A budget-friendly big-screen TV that uses the Google platform to give you access to popular streaming apps, integrated voice controls, and Dolby Vision HDR support. Insignia F30 58-inch for $250 (save $130): A simple smart TV with 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and a 60Hz refresh rate. Samsung S84D 77-inch OLED for $1,600 (save $1,700): This Best Buy-exclusive OLED is one of Samsung's more budget-friendly versions, offering signature OLED picture quality, excellent sound, and tons of smart features for a more affordable price. Black Friday 2024 home audio deals Samsung HW-Q850D for $600 (save $500 at Best Buy): A high-end home theater system with Dolby Atmos support, 7.1.2CH audio, and an HDR10+ passthrough. LG S95TR for $1,000 (save $500 at Best Buy): LG's premium home audio system features Dolby Atmos support, a wireless subwoofer, and Bluetooth connectivity. Roku Streambar SE for $70 (save $30 at Best Buy): A 2-in-1 streaming box and soundbar that gives you access to thousands of popular apps and boosts dialogue. JBL Bar 9.1 for $570 (save $630 at Amazon): A high-quality home audio system with a wireless subwoofer, dedicated satellite speakers, and a 4K Dolby Vision passthrough. FAQs Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the US. This year, it falls on Nov. 29, 2024. They absolutely can be! Televisions are one of the few electronics categories that offers regular, predictable sale seasons throughout the calendar year. With Black Friday being one of the most prominent. Big brands like Sony, LG, and Samsung usually have their biggest discounts during the holiday shopping season, but it's not uncommon to also find summer sales on high-end TVs as well as budget-friendly models from TCL and Hisense. In terms of which day will have the best TV deals, in the past, we've seen TVs typically have the better deals on Black Friday. Since prices fluctuate throughout the long weekend, if you see a big drop, we'd recommend picking it up quickly before it goes out of stock. You can check sites like CamelCamelCamel to see price histories. Black Friday is prime time for scammers and resellers. Each deal on this list has been vetted as being sold and shipped by reliable retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. I've also avoided ultra-budget brands like Onn and Vizio, as the discounts are negligible at the time of writing, and these brands don't offer the same quality TVs as even TCL or Hisense. ZDNET's resident TV experts have tested and researched dozens of models from just as many brands, and we all agree that the Samsung S95D OLED is the best TV you can buy right now. With an updated OLED panel for a more lifelike picture, a 120Hz refresh rate, object tracking sound, and a dedicated gaming dashboard with cloud gaming support. Based on the OLED TVs we've tested , we've found that they offer better picture quality, including higher contrast, truer color accuracy, and deeper blacks than QLEDs. However, what works best for you might depend on your viewing environment and individual needs. For more details and advice on how to choose which is right for you, check out our full OLED vs. QLED explainer . Once you've hammered out a budget for your next TV, there are a few other important factors to consider: Brand integrity: It's tempting to pick up that ultra-cheap TV during a sale event from a no-name brand. But you may end up paying more to replace it in a few years (or months) if it was built with cheap components or stops receiving over-the-air firmware updates. No matter which brand of TV you choose, make sure that the company offers industry standard return and exchange policies as well as clear options for customer service. Smart features: Not all smart TVs are created equal, with premium options from brands like LG and Sony offering OLED panels for incredible picture quality as well as quality of life features like built-in voice controls and pre-loaded suites of streaming apps. Make sure the TV you have your eye on has all of the smart features you need to keep up with your favorite shows and movies. Reasons to upgrade: It seems like every year TV brands refresh their model line-ups. Sometimes those refreshes introduce cool new options like Samsung's object tracking sound and cloud gaming support. Others are more subtle upgrades like improved QLED panels and speakers or new app support. Before you drop a whole paycheck on a new TV, make sure it offers enough reasons to upgrade to make it worth the price. 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The IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is calling for proactive measures to equip the counrty’s workforce with the skills needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI). In a statement, Jack Madrid, IBPAP president and chief executive officer, raised the need to shift the narrative around AI from one of potential job displacement to one of enhanced productivity and industry growth. “AI is not a distant challenge; it is a present reality reshaping industries and economies globally,” Madrid said. “The IT-BPM sector has shown that early adoption of AI can create opportunities. However, we must not stop there. The Philippines must act decisively to prepare the broader workforce, leveraging our leadership in IT-BPM as a blueprint for other industries, the official added. The Philippines, currently the world’s second-largest IT-BPM destination, has seen a 67 percent adoption rate of AI technologies among IBPAP member companies. The early adoption has led to increased productivity and a shift towards higher-value services, showcasing the potential of AI to augment existing jobs and elevate industries. However, IBPAP warned that without a nationwide upskilling effort, other sectors may face job losses due to AI disruption. To address this challenge, IBPAP is pushing for government funding for AI-focused upskilling programs and the integration of digital and AI-related skills into the national education curriculum. The organization has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) and TESDA to develop competency-based training initiatives in data analytics, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Additionally, IBPAP has launched the Philippine Skills Framework for Contact Center and Business Process Management, with a goal of upskilling 1 million workers by 2028. The organization is also providing industry leaders with resources to ensure responsible AI adoption and ethical workforce transition strategies. IBPAP said it remains committed to building a future-ready workforce and urges collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia. By taking proactive steps, the Philippines can maintain its global IT-BPM leadership while promoting inclusive economic growth, it added.
Rivian has announced the conditional approval of a loan of up to $6.6 billion for its previously delayed Georgia manufacturing facility, set to help the company fund production of its upcoming R2 SUV and R3 and R3X crossovers. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has granted Rivian conditional approval for the Georgia factory loan as part of its Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program, according to a press release shared by the automaker on Tuesday. The news comes after Rivian was forced to delay the Georgia plant as detailed in an announcement earlier this year, instead pivoting to have the R2 begin production at its factory in Normal, Illinois due to financial concerns and a desire to launch manufacturing of the platform sooner. Credit: State of Georgia Credit: State of Georgia Credit: Rivian Rivian says the loan includes $6 billion of principal and roughly $600 million of capitalized interest, set to help reboot the automaker’s plans to construct a production facility outside of Social Circle, Georgia, at the Stanton Springs North manufacturing hub. The company expects Phase One of the project to start producing vehicles by 2028, initially offering 200,000 units of annual production capacity and doubling that upon completion of Phase Two. The company also says the facility will create around 7,500 operations jobs through 2030, along with around 2,000 full-time jobs expected during construction. “This loan will help create thousands of new American jobs and further strengthen U.S. leadership in EV manufacturing and technology,” says RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO and founder. “This loan would enable Rivian to more aggressively scale our U.S. manufacturing footprint for our competitively priced R2 and R3 vehicles that emphasize both capability and affordability. A robust ecosystem of U.S. companies developing and manufacturing EVs is critical for the U.S. to maintain its long-term leadership in transportation.” Rivian was initially approved to build the roughly-$5-billion factory in Georgia last November , after it first announced plans to build such a plant in 2021 . The factory has been widely expected to produce the upcoming R2 electric vehicle (EV), as well as the R3 and R3X platforms that were announced unexpectedly alongside the R2 announcement in March. Despite having already selected a construction company for the project as of last December, Rivian also announced in March that it would start producing the R2 at its existing Illinois factory, where the R1T and R1S are built, instead of waiting until the Georgia factory was complete. The company also announced plans to delay construction of the plant, instead focusing on reaching profitability, jump-starting R2 production, and hopefully gaining additional capital to support the launch of the facility. In June, Volkswagen announced plans to invest up to $5 billion into Rivian , the first $1 billion of which was reported to have been paid via a convertible note during the EV startup’s Q2 earnings call . Earlier this month, the two announced plans to further expand a joint venture that would see the R2 launch as soon as early 2026 , along with supporting additional VW models in 2027. What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com , find me on X at @zacharyvisconti , or send us tips at tips@teslarati.com .Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on New Year's Eve 2024? Will mail be delivered?AP News Summary at 2:18 p.m. EST